A Mate for Lance (The Program Book 5) Read online

  The Program

  Book 5

  A Mate for Lance

  By

  Charlene Hartnady

  Copyright and Disclaimer

  Copyright © March 2016, Charlene Hartnady

  Cover Art by Melody Simmons

  Copy Edited by Kimberly Reichmann

  Proofread by Underline This Editing

  Produced in South Africa

  Published by Charlene Hartnady

  PO BOX 456, Melrose Arch,

  Johannesburg, South Africa, 2176

  [email protected]

  A Mate for Lance is a work of fiction and characters, events and dialogue found within are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, either living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

  With the exception of quotes used in reviews no part of this book may be reproduced or shared in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including but not limited to digital copying, file sharing, audio recording, email and printing without prior consent in writing from the author

  Table of Contents:

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Author’s Note

  Books by this author:

  Excerpt

  Chapter 1

  Amber groped around in her purse for a few seconds before finally pulling out the envelope that she had placed in there earlier. She removed the A4 document, unfolded it and handed it to her friend. “Take a look at this.” Her heart was beating out of her chest and her hands felt clammy. She had to work to keep herself from wiping them on her jeans.

  Isabel’s eyes widened as she read the document. A smile slowly spread across her face. Then she fell back on the couch clutching the paper to her chest.

  “No, don’t…” Amber watched in horror as the paper made a crinkling noise as it was crushed against Issy’s body. “I might need that.” She pointed at the document in question.

  Issy giggled. “I’m sure they’ll have your name down in their database or something.” She pulled the page from her chest and smoothed down its edges.

  “Well?” Amber was seriously losing it at this point. “Is that what I think it is or am I imagining things?” It couldn’t be. There had to be some mistake. Had to be.

  “Stop that.” Issy leaned forward toward Amber on the couch. Her eyes stern. Her whole demeanor serious. “I can’t believe you. Why is it that you can’t just accept how awesome and amazing you are?” She waved the paper around a few times. “Even when it’s in black and white.”

  Amber leaned back into the couch and staring at TV, its black screen reflecting the whole living room. She took the document and reread it again. “I don’t know…” she said, after a few more minutes and shooting her friend a look. “It’s almost unreal.” She turned it over as though the ink would disappear. “Maybe this is all a big joke and I just don’t know it?”

  Issy broke out into another radiant smile. “Don’t you dare do that. This is exactly what it looks like. You’ve been accepted into The Program. You are one lucky girl.” She threw her arms around Amber and hugged her tight. “It couldn’t have happened to a better, more deserving person. Those vampires must have excellent taste in women.”

  Yeah right. It was a mistake. Any minute now, her phone would ring and someone would explain to her that it was all a misunderstanding.

  Amber hugged Issy back. How could she not? The nagging in the back of her mind did not let up though. “It could be a mistake. Maybe they sent this to the wrong Amber.” Her voice came out sounding timid, only because she knew how her best friend would react.

  “You did not just say that.” Issy pushed her away but kept her hands on Amber’s shoulders. Issy looked deep into her eyes. “You need to stop with the bullshit. Do you hear me?”

  “Yeah…but—”

  “No buts…you need to start listening to me. No buts. You are beautiful, intelligent…you are amazing.” Issy’s eyes shone with sincerity. “I, for one, am jealous as hell of your boobs. They make me wish I was into women. You have everything going for you. Everything.” Issy pushed a brown strand of hair behind Amber’s ear and she chuckled. “Besides, how many Amber Jane Merle Raithwhites can there be in Sweetwater?”

  Amber couldn’t help it, even though her gut still churned and her heart still raced, she laughed despite herself. “Yeah, I guess so.” Maybe they did want her.

  “Well, I know so. They chose you. Those vampires looked at your resume, met you what…half a dozen times…along with half the female population of Sweetwater and decided that they wanted you in their dating program. You’re hot. It’s about time you realized that.”

  “It was three times. And hardly half of Sweetwater.” There had been a whole lot of women at the first interview. Ridiculous amounts.

  “What?” Issy raised her brows.

  “I had three interviews, not half a dozen.”

  Issy gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “Three, six…twenty, it doesn’t matter. They want you Amber,” she reiterated. “Maybe now you’ll realize your worth.”

  Issy had gone behind her back and submitted her resume by filling out an online form. Amber could still remember how horrified she had been when her friend had informed her that she had been accepted into the first round of interviews. Amber still couldn’t believe it.

  She was so nervous on that first day. It was so bad that her knees knocked together and her tongue had stuck to the roof of her mouth. She’d almost walked out a half a dozen times. Issy had gone through so much trouble to set the whole thing up that it would have been rude to not actually go through with the interview. At least that was how she rationalized staying at the time.

  Thankfully, the lady she met with was super friendly. Amber had relaxed for the first time since hearing about the interview two days prior. Even so, it was still a major surprise that they’d called her back for the second interview and then the medical exam.

  The third interview was with a panel. There was definitely a vampire woman and a vampire man in attendance, along with several run of the mill humans. The interview had lasted all of five minutes.

  Five, measly minutes.

  They’d asked her things like, how many guys she had dated and if she believed in soul mates. They appeared indifferent to her answers. The letter she now clutched in her hand was a shock. It couldn’t be real. It couldn’t be. It had to be a mistake. She was tempted to check her phone. Again.

  “What did your dad say?” Issy picked up her mug from the coffee table and took a sip. They were in Issy’s flat. It was small but well furnished, with quaint touches.

  The churning in her gut became worse. She licked her lips and squirmed in her seat. Amber clasped her hands together tightly in her lap.

  “Oh my word! You haven’t told them?” Issy shrieked.

  Amber winced at the very thought. “I can’t tell them. I won’t. I know I’ve been accepted but I shouldn’t go.” She still lived at home and worked at her father’s hardware store. They relied on her. Who was going to do the books while she was away? Who would complete inventory and order new supplies? Two weeks may not seem like a long time, but she’d n
ever been out of her parent’s sight for any longer than two hours. At least, it felt that way sometimes.

  Issy raised her brows. “You’ve worked for your dad for years, Amber, without so much as taking a long weekend off.”

  “We close over Christmas and Easter.”

  “Big deal. You need to do this. If you don’t, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. Speak to them.”

  The interview process had been lengthy and she could have pulled out at any time. After the initial interview, Amber had gone through with it to the end. But it wasn’t the end. It was the beginning. If she just took the chance. Amber sighed. “You’re right,” she said, still feeling afraid. “It’s just…”

  “No!” Issy cocked her head. “It’s just nothing…you’re doing this, even if I have to kidnap you and deliver you to those gorgeous hunks myself.”

  Amber felt a wave of excitement course through her. Vampires were total hunks. Tall, built, so darned yummy. Issy was right, she would live to regret it if she didn’t at least try. She nodded her head. “I would love to date one of them,” she gushed, feeling her cheeks heat.

  Amber’d seen the advertisements and had wondered what that’d be like to be with an honest to god vampire. She longed for someone who wanted the same things she did, something long-term with someone who wanted a more meaningful relationship. She’d heard that the vampires in The Program were seeking women with the same goals in mind. None of the other guys in Sweetwater were like that, not that she’d dated every guy in town but it wasn’t easy for her to date, not with her current situation. Being The Program had dual benefits—she’d get to find someone she could have a future with, and be away from doting but smothering parents.

  “It’s about time you dated. Heck, it’s about time you got seriously laid,” Issy snorted.

  Amber gasped. “Stop that! It’s a dating program.”

  Issy laughed. “You do realize that it’s ultimately a breeding program, right? That means sex and lots of it.”

  Oh shit! She’d forgotten that part. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. The thought of getting naked terrified her. Maybe she could still bow out. Surely they would understand.

  “Hey!” Issy wagged a finger at her. “Stop that! I can see you back pedaling. Don’t overthink this. Just go and enjoy yourself. See it as a vacation.”

  Only three weeks away.

  Three weeks for Amber to prepare. She also had to think of something to tell her folks as well. She would need to take a day or two’s leave so that she could attend the required training. She’d have to think of something.

  One thing was for sure, she was on a strict diet from here on out. No carbs for her. She needed some new clothes and to have her hair done and…there was loads to do.

  Damn. It looked like she was going through with this. Her heart raced even more and her hands still felt clammy, only this time, there was a smile on her face. A vampire of her very own. Maybe, just maybe…

  Chapter 2

  Not a fuck!

  Lance crushed the newspaper between his fingers as he strode down the hallway. He knocked twice before entering the room.

  Lazarus’ female looked up from her computer. Her eyes were wide.

  Lance walked in and leaned down over her desk before throwing the paper across the keyboard of her computer.

  “Why don’t you come on in?” She raised her brows. “Make yourself at home.”

  Humans could be really strange. He was already inside her office. Why was she inviting him in? He ignored the comments. “What is the meaning of this?” His chest vibrated as he growled the words.

  Alex raised her brows even further before leaning back in her chair. She folded her arms across her chest. Her belly was ever so slightly rounded. Lance felt some of the irritation leave him. Alex was with child. Chances were good that she was carrying twins. He reminded himself that she was also Lazarus’ female. He sucked in a deep breath and took a seat.

  She cleared her throat. “I am in charge of Public Relations. It’s my job to get everyone out there to love us. It’s my job to get women interested in joining The Program. Did you know that we had the biggest response ever for the third heat of the program?” She didn’t wait for an answer from him and smoothed out the rumbled paper. “Most of that interest was generated by that article.” She held it up and pointed at the picture . The one with a shirtless picture of himself. The picture took up half the front page of Sweetwater’s main newspaper. With the words, “Last Chance to Nab the Most Eligible Bachelor”, sprawled across the top of the page.

  “I don’t give a f…rat’s ass how many females applied. That article suggests that I am available… I’m not,” he reiterated. “It’s bullshit.”

  Alex laughed, shaking her head. “You are one of the males taking part in The Program, or am I mistaken?”

  He narrowed his eyes and gave a jerk of the head in affirmation. “I’m taking part but I’m not available. I don’t want those females to get the wrong idea. It irritates me to have to keep telling them that I’m not interested.”

  Alex laughed again, this time even harder. “Full of it much? You guys crack me up and in a big way.”

  “It’s not about being full of it or about being arrogant. It’s irritating. They try and get my attention in the strangest of ways. They get upset when I turn down offers of sex. One of the females in the last heat showed up at my suite and removed her jacket when I opened the door. She was naked. Completely naked. She screamed and kicked my door when I closed it in her face. This,” he said, jabbing angrily at the article “is going to cause more shit for me.”

  “Stop whining,” Alex suggested, not at all sympathetic. “You’ll have to deal as best as you can.”

  He frowned. “The Program is a waste of my time. I don’t know if I want to even take part any more.”.

  “This is the last heat that you can take part in. It’s your last chance to find a human mate. You—like it or not—are news. You’re by far the favorite; and, by your own admission, unavailable. That makes you the most eligible vampire bachelor. If you read the article, you will see that I mention that you are not interested in taking a mate and that you plan to see this through to the end because vampires are not quitters by nature. You leaving The Program, at this stage, would be bad publicity for us and I have to ask that you think carefully before doing something so drastic.”

  Alex was right.

  “Fuck!” Lance ran a hand through his hair. “How the hell did this get so complicated?” They were clearly using him for ratings and as a draw card to get more females into The Program. No wonder his request to withdraw after the first heat had been declined. Fuckers! Maybe he should remove himself from The Program entirely. He was sorely tempted. He didn’t need this kind of shit.

  “It’s only two weeks, Lance.” The female smiled at him. “Maybe one of them is your mate.”

  He shook his head. “Not a fuck!”

  “You never know.” She threw him another sweet as honey smile. There was nothing sweet about this female. Lazarus had his hands more than full. He felt sorry for the male.

  “Yes, I do.” He smiled back but only because snarling would be seen as impolite. The female was pregnant after all. “Two weeks of hell.” He would interact and spend as little time as possible with them. He didn’t want a mate. He certainly didn’t need a mate. It had been stupid to ever join The Program. The plan had been to enjoy himself a little. That little idea had very quickly come to an end. Human females were just too fragile, too emotional, wanting more than he was willing to give. They placed too much on the physical act. Each and every female he bedded had believed that they could change him. They became upset when he’d sent them on their way. Upset when he refused to kiss them on the mouth.

  Pathetic humans.

  In short, although enticing and utterly captivating, they were not for him. No female ever would be again. Fucking, hell yes. Love? Not a chance. He’d rather lose an eye, hell, both eyes, than lose his hea
rt.

  ****

  Three weeks later

  Her suitcase was heavy but a girl needed to be prepared. Two weeks was a long time to be gone. It might even end up being much longer.

  They had mentioned in the training that they needed to bring both formal and informal attire. Since it was fall, she needed to pack for chilly weather as well as for hot. It was an unpredictable time of year.

  “I can’t believe this can’t wait until Christmas. Who takes a holiday at this time of year? No one, that’s who.” Her father frowned.

  “We’ve been over this dad.” Amber sighed. “Flights and accommodation are almost double during the holiday season.”

  “Why do you need to go to France anyway?” her mother asked, looking concerned.

  Amber cringed. She had lied about where she was going. “I want to experience new things. Meet new people,” she hedged, avoiding the real reason. Her parents wouldn’t understand her decision.

  “It’s on the other side of the world. On a different continent. This isn’t like you at all. It’s risky and a little crazy.” Her father looked just as upset as her mother. “We offered to pay the extra. We can all go together…we’ll go this Christmas. You’re being silly.”

  She hated it when he treated her like she was still a little girl. Amber sucked it up and plastered a smile on her face. “Thank you, dad. I appreciate the offer but this is something I have to do on my own. I know it’s a little out of character.” Amber didn’t take risks. “It’s something I just feel I have to do.”

  “But right now?” Her mother shook her head. “Maybe next year would…”

  “I have to do this.” She was twenty-seven and still lived at home. As terrified as she was, she needed to at least try.

  “I’m dropping you at the airport.” Her dad picked up his keys.

  “No.” She practically shouted it. “I mean, thanks for the offer but I’m a grown woman and can take care of myself. Besides, I called a cab. It’ll be here any second.”